I commend the Brothers who conferred the 15th Degree in joint session with the Valleys of Utica and Norwood in March. That was a busy day, and you did your best to keep us on time and inspired with the message of that degree.

April 27 and April 28 should be days and times burned into your memory because we started preparing for this weekend more than a year ago. This is our weekend to celebrate Scottish Rite Freemasonry in Syracuse and recognize what 150 years of work means for all of us. We will have guests and dignitaries who represent the range and depth of Freemasonry.

The weekend begins on Friday evening with a social evening at the Comfort Suites Conference Center in Cicero. Cotillion, a chorus from Oswego High School, will present a program at 7:00 PM followed by a meet-and-greet reception. A cash bar and hors d’oeuvres will be available during this time with the Sovereign Grand Commander, Deputy Grand Master and our invited dignitaries.

Our work as Scottish Rite Masons begins with conferral of the 21st and 31st Degrees on Saturday morning. The Consistory will open at 9:30 AM. Be prepared to arrive a little early. We will have more than 25 candidates from our own Valley, plus candidates from Norwood, Utica and Schenectady. We will break for lunch, then confer the 32nd Degree in the early afternoon with the Illustrious John William McNaughton. 33rd Degree, Sovereign Grand Commander, taking part in knighting our Sublime Princes.

Finally, our Reunion dinner and Anniversary celebration will commence at 6 PM with a cash bar and social time at the Cicero American Legion. Dinner will follow at 7:00 PM. Sovereign Grand Commander McNaughton will be our guest speaker.

I do not often have to ask for concerted help on an event, but this year we need to work together to make the most of a once-in-my-lifetime event. Invite a Brother who does not get out of the house often or has given up his driver’s license. Do you know a Brother who spends the winter in Florida or Arizona and may be home in time for our big celebration in April? Give him a call. Make sure he knows this is his celebration, too. Plan to carpool if you can. We expect to have at least 40 candidates for the Consistorial degrees. Parking will be in short supply if everybody drives alone.

Brothers, we have heard your requests to keep the costs for social events low, but this anniversary is different. We can be 150 years old only once, and we are doing this event the best we can. Reservations need to be back at the office by April 19 because we have made arrangements with the Cicero Legion for the entire meal. This is an evening for all of us to celebrate, including our ladies who too often serve our meals when we gather in Memorial Masonic Center.

Ill. Lynwood Bennerson, 33° Commander-in- Chief

Chapter

Greetings,

There is no fool like an April’s fool. I hope you do not fall victim to someone’s prank on the 1st of April.

On a more serious note, I want to remind you of a very important date. On April 2nd, 2012, the Chapter of Rose Croix will present the Feast of the Paschal Lamb at 7:00 pm at the Masonic Memorial Center. I want to invite any of our new Sublime Princes who have never seen this ceremony to attend, pay honor to, and support the friends and families at our departed Brothers this Valley has lost this past year. The Reverend Dr. Russell C. Hall will be our guest speaker. After the ceremony refreshments will be served in the dining room. I encourage our Brothers in attendance to visit with the families of our departed Brothers to let them know we care about them and are there for them if they need our help.

If you have not done so, and you want to attend the 150th Anniversary Dinner on April 28th, please contact the office or send in your reservation as soon as possible. I look forward to seeing you there.

Fraternally, Lawrence W. Egnaczyk, 32° Most Wise Master

Council

Greetings Brethren,

Here we are - on the threshold of spring. Soon, the warmth of the sun will be bringing all the fruits of the season in the form of receding snow, awakening flowers, and the return of song birds. Walking down to the water’s edge and throwing in a line or skipping stones, taking a starlit walk, or sitting out on the deck for the first time of the season - Spring is a joyous time of the year. It’s another chance for a self- check and renewal… It’s also tax season. Okay - so maybe that’s not so joyous. At any rate, we can look forward to warmer, sunny days.

The month of April begins with the Valley’s Feast of The Paschal Lamb on the evening of the 2nd, presented by the Chapter of Rose Croix. Please plan on joining us for this solemn memorial service that gives the members of the Valley a chance to bid farewell and honor the memory of our Brothers who have passed through the West Gate of the Temple.

Work continues, and final preparations are underway by a very dedicated group of Valley Brothers to make the Central City Bodies 150th Anniversary Celebration a lasting memory. There is still much to do, and anyone finding time on their hands is welcome to help out in any way. Contact the Valley office or a Body officer if you are interested. The celebration begins Friday April 27th, with a Social Evening and Entertainment, and continues on Saturday April 28th, with Degree Conferrals and a luncheon. The Social highlight of the event will be Saturday evening beginning at 6:00, followed by Dinner and Entertainment. Notices of the events and invitations have gone out to all Valley members. You won’t want to miss out on any of the festivities. Do not delay in making your reservation to be part of this celebration.

I am looking forward to seeing you soon.

Dave Barnello, 32° Sovereign Prince

Lodge

Spring in central New York is really something very special. All of us look forward to the warmth of the sun which is now moving higher in the sky. All of us look forward to additional hours of light and the opportunity to spend more time outside in the fresh air. Spring brings many new sounds and sights which we have seen before. Spring brings that feeling of a new beginning.

The Valley of Syracuse has witnessed many new beginnings and presents us an opportunity to renew our relationships with each other. Meeting new brothers and learning new things will give us that feeling of being energized to make good things happen.

Encourage brothers and friends to join the Valley of Syracuse and become motivated by a spirit of brotherhood which will never, never die. Experience the full value of your Scottish Rite membership 24 hours a day 7 days a week with a lifetime guarantee.

May you and your family enjoy the days of warmth and light. Have fun and cash in those dividends paid by the Valley of Syracuse to each and every member.

See you sometime soon.

Fraternally, Ill. Craig Cobb, 33° Thrice Potent Master

Notes from the Children's Dyslexia Center

Well, winter still had a few surprises and we had two snow-days in one week. A week later we have 60 degree weather. As you might imagine, the children are wandering in without jackets and then having to miss because they are ill. It seems that some things never change.

Our young man Ryan is moving forward in his work at the Center and in his work at school. This is a difficult time for the children and their families as the schools are finishing up mandated State testing which does not allow our kids much in the way of accommodation. The stress and frustration can be monumental. The idea that there is often no understanding of the difficulties the children deal with while making their best effort can be devastating for all. Ryan’s mother was one of many sharing their frustration and concerns in the waiting area in the last two weeks. One common thread is how thankful they all are that their children are able to attend the Center and that is, in large part, thanks to your efforts.

To let you know what is new, we are preparing for the class of Scholars for 2012-2013. If you know of someone with a Bachelor’s Degree who might be interested in working with our children, can attend 45 hours of classroom training and put in 100 hours of tutoring (2 children on Monday and Wednesday throughout the 2012-2013 academic year) feel free to ask them to contact us.

Central City Bodies, AASR is holding its annual Feast of the Paschal Lamb Memorial Service on Monday evening April 2, 2012 at 7:00 p. m. at the Memorial Masonic Center, 648 Centerville place, North Syracuse.

This annual Memorial Service is in memory and a remembrance of all of our Scottish Rite Brothers who laid down their Masonic Working Tools and passed on into “that house not built with hands eternal in the heavens” during the past year.

All family members and friends of our departed brothers are invited to attend this very special evening of memories. A reception for guests to gather and visit will follow the Ceremony in our dining room at the Masonic Center.

Anyone with questions about this ceremony may contact the Scottish Rite Valley Secretary’s office at 315-452-7976 for more information.